Meet Dan Scarrow: President & CEO of Macdonald Realty
Dan Scarrow’s journey to becoming the President and CEO of Macdonald Realty might seem like the inevitable next step for someone raised in a family steeped in the real estate industry. But as Dan himself will tell you, his path to real estate wasn’t a straight line. While his roots were firmly planted in the world of property, he chose to explore other avenues first—one of which led him to a career in banking.
Read on to discover how Dan's experiences shaped his leadership at Macdonald Realty, his advice for budding agents, and what excites him about working in the dynamic world of real estate.
A Family Legacy, But a Unique Path
Real estate was in Dan’s blood, but it wasn’t his first career choice. “I grew up around it—my family’s been involved in the industry for years,” he explains. However, he didn’t jump straight into real estate. Instead, Dan spent time working at BMO (Bank of Montreal), gaining valuable training and experience that proved invaluable when transitioning into real estate later on. “It was good training and more appropriate when you’re in your 20s,” he shares.
For Dan, starting in real estate wasn’t as simple as diving into a family business. In fact, he notes, “It’s hard to start working as a real estate agent at any age, but especially tough when you’re young, as most of your contacts are not potential clients yet.”
Learning from Experience: The Managing Broker Team
As President and CEO, Dan has come to deeply value the collective expertise of the Managing Broker team at Macdonald Realty. “I have immense respect for our entire team of Managing Brokers,” he says. “The knowledge and experience they have is second to none. I pick their brains daily and am grateful that we have such incredible resources within our company.”
This culture of learning and collaboration has been pivotal in Dan’s own journey, allowing him to constantly grow as a leader and real estate professional.
Above: Lynn Hsu, Macdonald Realty Executive Chair, and Dan Scarrow, President and CEO, record a special message before the company’s 80th Anniversary celebrations (2024).
The Entrepreneurial Nature of Real Estate
Reflecting on his own early years in real estate, Dan admits, “I wish I’d understood just how entrepreneurial this business really is.” He emphasizes that success in real estate isn’t just about selling homes. “It’s about building a brand, managing your time, setting boundaries, and investing in yourself,” he explains. “The sooner you start treating it like your own business, the more rewarding it becomes.”
For anyone thinking about starting their own career in real estate, Dan has some important advice: “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” He’s seen too many new agents burn out early by trying to do too much too soon. The key to success? “Consistently doing the right things each day and being persistent at it.”
The Best Advice Dan’s Received
When it comes to the best piece of advice he’s received, Dan recalls, “Focus on relationships, not transactions.” For him, the most successful agents are those who build trust and truly care about their clients. “Everything else—referrals, growth, reputation—flows from that foundation,” he says.
Why Dan Loves Real Estate
What’s kept Dan engaged and motivated in the real estate industry for so many years? It’s the constant change. “It’s endlessly dynamic. No two days are the same,” he shares. But it’s also about seeing others succeed. “Watching our colleagues succeed and grow into their potential? That’s incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing like achieving and celebrating successes together.”
Above (from left to right): Jason Feinstadt (Vancouver agent), Tim Russell (Vancouver Region Managing Broker), Simon Clayton (Vancouver agent), and Dan Scarrow prepare to take part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at the Macdonald Realty Holiday Party (2024).
A Culture of Collaboration at Macdonald Realty
When asked about his favorite aspect of working at Macdonald Realty, Dan doesn’t hesitate: “The people.” He’s proud of the collaborative and supportive culture that defines the company. “Whether it’s staff or agents, you feel like you’re part of something bigger,” he says. “It can be a tough and even lonely business sometimes. It’s good to have a place to come back to.”
Fun Fact: Marathon Man
Outside of his professional life, Dan has an interesting tidbit to share: he ran in the Boston Marathon. “Not fast. But I finished!” he laughs, proving that perseverance and determination are key in all areas of his life.
Favorite Quote & Book
Dan’s favorite quote comes from Mark Twain: “Buy land—they’re not making it anymore.” A true reminder of the timeless value of real estate.
As for a recommendation, Dan prefers a podcast over a book: Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway. He finds their insights particularly valuable and thought-provoking in today’s fast-paced world.
Dan Scarrow’s journey to becoming a respected leader in the real estate industry is a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to relationships. His experiences have shaped his philosophy of success, and his dedication to Macdonald Realty and its people continues to inspire those around him. Whether you’re just starting in real estate or looking for guidance on how to elevate your career, Dan’s advice is sure to resonate with you.